Patient support apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A patient support is disclosed including a three-dimensional fiber network.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/321,138, filed on Dec. 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,352; U.S.Pat. No. 6,708,352 is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/551,266, filed on Apr. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,888, and acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/604,208, filed on Jun. 27,2000, the disclosures of all the above patents and patent applicationsare expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a mattress. More particularly,the present invention relates to mattresses for patient supportsconfigured to support a patient positioned on a mattress.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Patient supports are often used during treatment or recovery of apatient in a care facility. Patient supports typically includes abedframe having a deck and a mattress positioned on the deck to supportthe patient.

[0004] Ventilated mattresses and percussion therapy are known in theart. Ventilating beds typically consist of a multi-chambered inflatablemattress that vents air through holes provided on its top surface. Theseholes allow air to escape while an air source continually supplies andmaintains the desired amount of inflation to the mattress. This escapingair creates an environment that keeps a patient's skin cool, dry andcomfortable.

[0005] The present invention provides percussion/audio therapy to apatient in combination with an inflatable air mattress. In addition, thepresent invention provides a bed that directs a gas and/or audiofrequencies to the patient from a variety of directions.

[0006] According to the present invention, a mattress includes a sleepsurface and a perimeter having a cavity configured to receive the sleepsurface and at least one gas outlet located adjacent the cavity. The gasoutlet is configured to be coupled to a gas supply to direct gas flowfrom the gas outlet over the sleep surface.

[0007] In one illustrated embodiment, the perimeter includes an innerwall defining the cavity. The perimeter is formed to include an internalchamber having at least one opening extending between the chamber andthe inner wall to define the at least one gas outlet. The chamber isconfigured to be coupled to the gas supply so that the gas is directedthrough the chamber and the at least one opening and over the sleepsurface. Illustratively, the sleep surface is configured to be coupledto the inner wall of the perimeter at a location below the at least oneopening.

[0008] Also in an illustrated embodiment, a spacer is located within thecavity. The spacer is configured to define first and second bladdercavities. First and second bladders are located in the first and secondbladder cavities, respectively, for supporting the sleep surface. Thefirst and second bladders are configured to be selectively inflated anddeflated to provide rotational therapy to a patient on the sleepsurface.

[0009] Also according to the present invention, a mattress includes asleep surface, a perimeter having a cavity configured to receive thesleep surface, and at least one speaker positioned adjacent the sleepsurface. The speaker is configured to direct a desired therapy wavesignal to the sleep surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the mattressalso includes an audio signal generator coupled to the at least onespeaker to supply percussion/vibration therapy to a patient or to playmusic to be heard by the patient on the sleep surface.

[0010] According to the present invention, a mattress is provided foruse on a deck of a bed. The mattress includes a sleep surface or cover,a first cushion, and a second cushion. The cover includes a side walldefining an interior region of the cover. The first cushion is integralwith the side wall of the cover and the second cushion is positioned inthe interior region of the cover.

[0011] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, themattress further includes an inner wall and the cover includes an outerwall coupled to the inner wall to define the first cushion which isinflatable. The outer wall of the cover includes an opening configuredto receive the second cushion to permit a caregiver to insert the secondcushion through the opening into the interior region of the cover. Themattress further includes a fastener that extends through the opening tocouple the second cushion to the deck of the bed. The second cushionincludes a layer of three dimensional engineered material.

[0012] Additional features of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention aspresently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will be described with reference to theattached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, inwhich:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pediatric mattress according toone embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pediatric mattressof FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional end view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.2;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the pediatricmattress according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pediatric mattress accordingto a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pediatric mattressof FIG. 5;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stretcher for use with a proningbed having a perimeter frame, a multi-panel deck, and a disposablemattress section;

[0021]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the mattress section of FIG. 1showing the mattress section including a lower cushion positioned overtwo panels of the deck and an upper mattress positioned over the lowercushion; and

[0022]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 8showing the lower cushion positioned.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The drawings set out herein areillustrative embodiments of the invention, and such embodiments are notto be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention relates to a mattress. In one emobidment,the present invention relates to a pediatric air mattress. The pediatricmattress is of any conventional size to fit on a variety of cribs and/orchild beds. In one embodiment, the mattress is configured to provide across air flow over a sleep surface of the mattress. In addition, thesleep surface itself is a low-air-loss surface providing air flowdirected from the surface to the patient. It is appreciated that themattress herein described, may be used for any variety of applicationsbeyond just as a pediatric mattress. A low-air-loss mattress allows airto escape from its surface underneath the patient. This creates a drierenvironment under the patient helping to prevent maceration which is onecausative factor in pressure ulcer development. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the mattress is configured to include a percussiontherapy system to assist in pulmonary cleansing and comfort. The audioor sound resulting from the percussion therapy system is directedthrough the sleep surface to the patient. Alternatively, the sound isdirected into the cross air flow and over the sleep surface to thepatient. In this embodiment, the percussion therapy system is integratedinto the mattress.

[0025] A pediatric mattress according to one embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 1. Mattress 1 comprises a body having aperimeter 2 forming the border structure of mattress 1. A sleep surface4 is fitted within perimeter 2. Sleep surface 4 is illustratively aninflatable bed and the portion of mattress 1 that supports a patient 5.(See FIG. 3.) In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of air holes 6are positioned in perimeter 2 above sleep surface 4. Holes 6 areconfigured to direct air flow and/or audio frequencies over sleepsurface 4 to patient 5. It is appreciated that any number of holes canbe used to create the air flow or the cross air flow. The cross air flowdirection is indicated by reference number 32 in FIG. 3.

[0026] An exploded view of mattress 1 is shown in FIG. 2. In theillustrated embodiment, perimeter 2 comprises an inner periphery wall 8,an outer periphery wall 10, a deck 11, a base 12, a spacer 14, andbladder cavities 16 and 16′. Inner periphery wall 8 extends upwardlyfrom base 12 and is generally complimentary to the outer shape of sleepsurface 4. Outer periphery wall 10 forms the outer boundary of perimeter2 and is illustratively sized and configured to fit any conventionalcrib or support. Deck 11 is a top surface extending between the innerand outer periphery walls 8 and 10. A core 18 illustratively providesthe body of perimeter 2, as shown in FIG. 3. Core 18 is made from asuitable material such as foam, rubber or other material. It isappreciated, however, that core 18 may be replaced by an inflatable bodyif desired.

[0027] Core 18 is positioned on base 12 that supports pediatric mattress1. Base 12 spans the area of mattress 1 and is made of any suitablematerial such as metal, wood, or plastic. Perimeter 2 forms a sleepsurface cavity 22. In the illustrative embodiment spacer 14 ispositioned within cavity 22 and extends lengthwise therein. Spacer 14serves several purposes including adding structural support to perimeter2, separating bladders 24 and 24′ and serving as a receptacle forspeaker 28 from the percussion therapy system discussed in furtherdetail herein. The spacer 14 is illustratively made from the samematerials as core 18. In the illustrated embodiment, spacer 14 separatescavity 22 into first and second bladder cavities 16 and 16′. Bladdercavities 16 and 16′ are configured to receive first and second bladders24 and 24′, respectively, as best shown in FIG. 3.

[0028] Cross air flow is created by passing air over sleep surface 4. Toaccomplish this, holes 6 are disposed through inner periphery wall 8.Each hole 6 extends through core 18 into air chamber 29, as best shownin FIG. 3. In one embodiment air chamber 29 is provided within theentire perimeter body 2. (See FIG. 3) Supply tube 30, supplies air froman air source to chamber 29 which is then expelled through air holes 6as indicated by air directional flow arrows 32. Illustratively, multipleair tubes 30 may be used and be transversely positioned to create aneven cross flow of air over sleep surface 4.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, spacer 14 partitions cavity 22into first and second bladder cavities 16 and 16′ as previouslydiscussed. First and second inflatable bladders 24 and 24′ areconfigured to be received in cavities 16 and 16′, respectively, andsupport sleep surface 4. Illustratively, bladders 24 and 24′ are filledwith a gas to provide the necessary support. Supply tubes 34 and 34′deliver air to bladders 24 and 24′, respectively, to either fill,maintain, or change the level of support. It will be appreciated thatany number of bladders may be used to support sleep surface 4. Thisincludes providing one or more bladders that fill the entire area ofsleep cavity 20. It is also appreciated that bladders 24 and 24′ may befilled with substances other than air. Bladders 24 and 24′ may be filledwith a foam, gel, or even particulates. Bladders 24 and 24′ areillustratively configured to be held loosely in cavities 16 and 16′,respectively. In another embodiment, the bladders 24 and 24′ arefastened into cavities 16 and 16′ by any conventional means includingVelcro, zippers or an adhesive.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, a speaker receptacle 35 is formedat a central location along spacer 14. Receptacle 35 is configured toreceive and position a speaker 28 so that the speaker 28 directs audioto patient 5. (see FIG. 3.) It will be appreciated that speaker 28 maybe a plurality of speakers positioned anywhere along spacer 14,periphery wall 8, and bladder cavity 16 and/or 16′. In addition, thespeaker 28 may be positioned and configured such that it directs anaudio-frequency through air holes 6 to sleep surface 4. In oneillustrative embodiment, speaker 28 is connected to an audio-frequencygenerator (not shown) via speaker wire 36. Wire 36 is configured toallow the audio-frequency generator be either an integral part ofmattress 1 or a separate unit. It is appreciated that theaudio-frequency generator may be of any conventional type including, butnot limited to, a digital audio signal generator, a compact disc orcassette tape player, or a phonograph.

[0031] Sleep surface 4 in the illustrated embodiment is positionedwithin cavity 20 and placed over top of bladders 24, 24′ and spacer 14.As shown in FIG. 3, the weight of patient 5 lying on sleep surface 4creates a downward force that may compress bladders 24 and 24′. Mattress1 is configured such that bladders 24 and 24′ compress to a pointsubstantially adjacent spacer 14. It is appreciated, however, that sleepsurface 4 does not have to be positioned adjacent speaker 28 for same towork properly. In another illustrative embodiment, sleep surface 4includes a zipper 52 and zipper teeth 54 attached at its outerperiphery, with corresponding zipper teeth 56 attached to inner wall 8,as shown in FIG. 2. This arrangement allows sleep surface 4 to besecured to mattress 1, yet be easily removed to allow sleep surface 4 tobe replaced or to gain access to bladders 24, 24′ and/or speaker 28. Itis appreciated that sleep surface 4 may be attached to mattress 1 by anyconventional means including, but not limited to, Velcro, ties, or anadhesive. The sleep surface 4 itself is illustratively an air filledbladder, a multi-chambered bladder, or a series bladders.

[0032] Sleep surface 4 in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 is shown asmulti-chambered bladders having a corrugated design 58. It isappreciated that sleep surface 4 may be of any conventional design.Illustratively, sleep surface 4 is a low-air-loss sleep surface. In thisembodiment, a plurality of holes (not shown), illustratively about 30microns in diameter, are disposed through at least one side of saidsurface, typically the top surface 9. Air is thus allowed to slowlyescape sleep surface 4 creating a zone of moving air about the patient.An inflator (not shown) is coupled to sleep surface 4 to replenish thelost air and to adjust the firmness of the surface. In addition, speaker28 may be positioned to direct sound through said holes to patient 5 toassist the percussion therapy.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, air is alternately supplied to andremoved from bladders 24 and 24′ to provide rotational therapy to thepatient on the sleep surface 4. Illustratively, sleep surface 4 may beunzipped from the perimeter 2 and disposed of after each use. Thiseliminates the need to sanitize the sleep surface 4 after each use.Speaker 28 provides percussion/vibration therapy to the patient on thesleep surface 4. In addition, music may be played through the speaker28. This eliminates the need for separate accessory equipment to providerhythmic sounds for comfort and stimulation of the patient.

[0034] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4.Pediatric mattress 38, according to this embodiment, comprises aperimeter 39 that forms the outer body of mattress 38. A sleep surface 4is fitted in perimeter 39. In this illustrated embodiment, perimeter 39is a border structure comprising an inner periphery wall 40, an outerperiphery wall 42, a deck 44, and a base 12, as well as a spacer 14, andbladder cavities 16 and 16′ similar to the previous embodiment. Thisembodiment, however, differs from the previous embodiment in that thereare no gas holes disposed through inner periphery wall 40 and no channelprovided within core 48. Inner periphery wall 40 extends upwardly frombase 12 and is generally the shape of sleep surface 4. Outer peripherywall 42 forms the outer boundary of perimeter 39 and can beillustratively sized and configured to fit any conventional crib orsupport, like the previous embodiment. Deck 44 includes an upper surfacethat is formed parallel to sleep surface 4 and positioned adjacent bothinner and outer periphery walls 40 and 42. Inner periphery wall 40,outer periphery wall 42 and deck 44 maintain their shape by being formedover a core 48 that is the shape of perimeter 39. As with core 18, core48 is made from any suitable material such as foam, rubber or othermaterial.

[0035] Core 48 is positioned on base 12 that supports pediatric mattress38. Illustratively, base 12 spans the area of mattress 38 and is made ofany suitable material, such as metal, wood, or plastic. Perimeter 39forms a sleep surface cavity 22, similar to the previous embodiment.Spacer 14 is illustratively positioned within cavity 22 and extendslengthwise therein. As with the previous embodiment, spacer 14 alsoserves several purposes, including adding structural support toperimeter 14, separating bladders 24 and 24′, and serving as areceptacle for speaker 28 from the percussion therapy system. Like theprevious embodiment, it will be appreciated that spacer 14 isillustratively made from the same material as core 18. In theillustrated embodiment, spacer 14 separates cavity 22 into first andsecond bladder cavities 16 and 16′. Bladder cavities 16 and 16′ areconfigured to receive first and second bladders 24 and 24′, as bestshown in FIG. 4.

[0036] A further embodiment of the present invention includes apediatric mattress fitted within a border 50, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.Illustratively, either mattress 1 or 38 can be configured to fit withinborder 50. Border 50 is itself configured to provide additional lengthand/or width to either mattress 1 or 38 to allow the mattress to befitted in a larger crib or a larger bed frame. Illustratively, border 50comprises an inner wall 62, an outer wall 64, and a top surface 66extending between adjacent inner and outer walls 62 and 64. A core (notshown) provides the body structure for border 50 similar to cores 18 and46 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. The core of border 50 isillustratively made from the same type of material as cores 18 and 46.In the illustrated embodiment, perimeter 2 includes a zipper 68 andzipper teeth 70 attached at its outer periphery, with correspondingzipper teeth 72 attached to inner wall 66, as shown in FIG. 6. Thisarrangement allows perimeter 2 to be secured to border 50. It will beappreciated that perimeter 2 may be attached to border 50 by anyconventional means including, but not limited to, Velcro, ties, or anadhesive. In addition, the border 50 may simply be placed over theperimeter 2 without any fasteners.

[0037] Illustratively, perimeter 2 is fitted into border 50 such thatdeck 11 is positioned in substantially the same plane as top surface 66,as shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, zipper teeth 70 areprovided adjacent deck 11 and outer wall 10, and zipper teeth 72 areprovided about inner wall 62. The vertically oriented positioning ofzipper teeth 72 determines the relative difference in height, if any,between deck 11 and top surface deck 66.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, a portable bedor stretcher 110 is shown in FIG. 7. Stretcher 110 includes a mattresssupport section 111 and a disposable mattress section 112 positionedover mattress support section 111 so that mattress section 112 can becoupled to mattress support section 111 of stretcher 110 by a careprovider. After use, a disposable portion of mattress section 112 isdiscarded and other portion of mattress section 112 is reused with a newdisposable portion.

[0039] Stretcher 110 may be coupled to a proning bed (not shown). Theproning bed rotates the stretcher 110 and the patient positioned thereonso that the patient is moved between upwardly and downwardly facingpositions or any position therebetween. Mattress support section 111includes a perimeter fram 114 and a series of panels 116 pivotallycoupled to perimeter frame 114 by a series of hinges 118 and latches 119to define a deck 121. When the patient is in the downwardly facingposition, one or more of panels 116 may then be opened by moving therespective latches 119 and by moving panels 116 about their respectivehinges 118. Opening the panels 116 permits access to the patient's backwithout removing stretcher 110 from its position on top of the patient.A description of a suitable proning bed is provided in PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US99/14525, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein. Mattress section 112 may also be used with other bedconfigurations.

[0040] Stretcher 110 further includes additional mattress sections (notshown) similar to mattress section 112 so that stretcher 110 provides aresilient support surface for a person positioned on stretcher 110. Asshown in FIG. 8, mattress section 112 includes a lower reusable mattressportion or cushion 120 and an upper disposable mattress portion or sleepsurface 122 that is positioned over lower cushion 120. As shown in FIG.9, sleep surface 122 covers around lower cushion 120 so that sleepsurface 122 covers lower cushion 120. According to the presentlypreferred embodiment of the present disclosure, sleep surface 122 isinflatable. According to alternative embodiments of the disclosure,sleep surface 122 includes foam or another resilient material.

[0041] Before mattress section 112 is coupled to panel 116, sleepsurface 122 is wrapped around lower cushion 120. Mattress section 112 isthen coupled to panel 116 to provide support for a patient positionedtherein. After the patient is removed from stretcher 110, mattresssection 112 is removed from panel 116 and lower cushion 120 is removedfrom within sleep surface 122. Sleep surface 122 is then disposed.However, lower cushion 120 is retained and cleaned and a substantiallyidentical sleep surface 122 is positioned over lower cushion 120 so thatmattress section 112 can be used for the next patient.

[0042] To position mattress section 112 on panels 116, a care providerfirst positions lower cushion 120 within sleep surface 122. After lowercushion 120 is securely positioned in sleep surface 122, a pair offasteners 136 coupled to both lower cushion 120 and panel 116 aresnapped together. Because lower cushion 120 is now secured to panel 116and sleep surface 122 is wrapped around lower cushion 120, sleep surface122 is secured to mattress section support 111.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 8-9, lower cushion 120 includes a bottom layerof foam 124, an intermediate layer of foam 126, and a top layer of foam128 positioned on top of intermediate layer of foam 126. The stiffnessor ILD of layers 124, 126, 128 increases from top to bottom so that toplayer 128 is the softest layer of foam and bottom layer of foam 124 isthe stiffest layer of foam. Thus, lower cushion 120 has a stiffnessgradient that increases with its depth.

[0044] Lower cushion 120 further includes a layer of three-dimensionalengineered material 130 positioned on top of top layer of foam 128.Layer of engineered material 130 is made of a fiber network formed toinclude a base 131 and a plurality of resilient hollow projections 133shaped as truncated cones as shown, for example, in FIG. 9. Furtherdescription of a suitable three-dimensional engineered material isprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,062, issued Mar. 24, 1998 to Kim et al.and U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,504, issued Aug. 7, 2001 to Romano et al., thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.Lower cushion 120 further includes a layer of fireguard 132 extendingaround the perimeter of bottom, intermediate, and top layers of foam124, 126, 128 and-layer of engineered material 130 as shown, forexample, in FIG. 8.

[0045] Lower cushion 120 also includes a wipable ticking material 134that covers bottom, intermediate, and top layers of foam 124, 126, 128,layer of engineered material 130, and fireguard 132 as shown for examplein FIGS. 8-9. After each use, ticking material 134 is cleaned by a caregiver so that it is sanitized for its next use.

[0046] Each fastener 136 is preferably a snap and includes an upperportion 138 coupled to ticking material 134 of lower cushion 120 and alower portion 140 coupled to panel 116. To couple lower cushion 120 topanel 116, a user snaps upper portions 138 of fasteners 136 to lowerportions 140 of fasteners 136 as shown, for example, in FIG. 9.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, sleep surface 122 includes an outer wall 142,an inner wall 144, a plurality of baffles 146 that extend between innerand outer walls 142, 144, and a nozzle 147 coupled to outer wall 142.The perimeter of inner wall 144 is welded to outer wall 142 to define abladder or upper cushion 148. When inflated, bladder 148 providessupport for a person positioned on mattress section 112. Bladder 148 isinflated using a source of pressurized air (not shown) coupled to nozzle147. Bladder 148 may be inflated before or after the insertion of lowercushion 120 into sleep surface 122. Top wall 152 includes a series ofmicrovents 159 that permit a predetermined amount of air to leak out ofbladder 148 so that bladder 148 is a low air loss bladder. Preferably,top wall 152 includes twelve microvents 159 having a diameter of 0.030inches when sleep surface 122 is inflated to a pressure ranging from0-18 inches of water.

[0048] According to the preferred embodiment, six baffles 146 defineseven pockets 149 in bladder 148. According to alternative embodiments,fewer or more baffles are provided to divide the bladder into fewer ormore pockets. According to the presently preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure, baffles 146 and inner wall 144 are made of a 5millimeter urethane material.

[0049] Outer wall 142 also provides a cover 150 that partially surroundslower cushion 120 as shown in FIG. 9. Outer wall 142 includes a top wall152 welded to each baffle 146, a perimeter side wall 154 integral withtop wall 152, and a bottom wall 156 integral with side wall 154 asshown, for example, in FIG. 9. Top, side, and bottom walls 152, 154, 156define an interior region 160 of cover 150 in which lower cushion 128 ispositioned during use of mattress section 112. Bladder 148 also includestop wall 152 and a bottom wall 158 welded to top wall 152. Thus, bladder148 and cover 150 share common top wall 152.

[0050] Side wall 154 includes first, second, third, and fourth panels162, 164, 166, 168. First and third panels 162, 166 are integral withtop wall 152 and bottom wall 156, as shown for example in FIG. 9. Secondand fourth panels 164, 168 are welded to top wall 152 and are alsointegral with bottom wall 156. Second and fourth panels 164, 168 alsoweld to first and third panels 162, 166 to define corners 169 ofsidewall 154.

[0051] Bottom wall 156 of cover 150 includes first, second, third, andfourth flaps 170, 172, 174, 176. First and third flaps 170, 174 areintegral with respective first and third panels 162, 166 as shown inFIG. 9. Second and fourth flaps 172, 176 are integral with respectivesecond and fourth panels 164, 168. Second and fourth flaps 172, 176 arewelded to first and third flaps 170, 174 to define corner seams 177 ofbottom wall 156. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, first flap 170,first panel 162, top wall 152, third panel 166, and third flap 174 areformed from a uniform piece of material. According to the presentlypreferred embodiment, this material is made of a non-woven plasticsmaterial having a cotton-like feel sold under the brand name Securon.

[0052] First, second, third, and fourth flaps 170, 172, 174, 176 eachinclude an edge 178 defining an opening 180 in bottom wall 146.Fasteners 136 are spaced apart from edges 178 and extend through opening180 to couple lower cushion 120 to deck panel 116. A caregiver slideslower cushion 120 through opening 180 to insert lower cushion 120 intosleep surface 122. Similarly, lower cushion 120 is removed from sleepsurface 122 by pulling lower cushion through opening 180. Thus, sleepsurface 122 provides a combination inflatable cushion and cover thatprovides support to a patient positioned thereon and protection to lowercushion 120 and is disposable. Lower cushion 120 provides a reusablepatient support.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described with referenceto particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoingdescription, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essentialcharacteristics of the present invention and various changes andmodifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristicswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured to support a bodythereon, the apparatus comprising: a first support zone adapted tosupport a first portion of the body; and a second support zone adaptedto support a second portion of the body; wherein each of the firstsupport zone and the second support zone includes a plurality ofbladders; and a three-dimensional fiber network, one of the plurality ofbladders and the three-dimensional fiber network being supported by theother of the plurality of bladders and the three-dimensional fibernetwork.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first support zone andthe second support zone are first and second independent mattresssections.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a mattresssupport, the first mattress section and the second mattress sectionbeing removably coupled to the mattress support.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of bladders are inflatable bladders. 5.The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of inflatable bladdersare supported by the at least one three-dimensional fiber network. 6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support is coupled to a source ofpressurized air to provide a low air loss surface for supporting thebody.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bladders areinflatable and a top surface of the plurality of bladders includes aplurality of apertures configured to permit air to pass through the topsurface of the plurality of bladders.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the plurality of bladders extend transversely.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein each of the first support zone and the secondsupport zone both further comprise at least one foam member, the atleast one foam member cooperating with the plurality of bladders and thethree-dimensional fiber network to provide support for the respectiveportion of the body.
 10. An apparatus configured to support a body in arecumbent position thereon, the apparatus comprising: at least one coverincluding a top surface defining a support surface for the body; atleast one plurality of inflatable bladders positioned below the topsurface of the at least one cover; and at least one three-dimensionalfiber network positioned below the top surface of the at least onecover, the at least one plurality of inflatable bladders and the atleast one three-dimensional fiber network cooperating to provide supportfor at least a chest region of the body when the body is in therecumbent position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein one of the atleast one plurality of inflatable bladders and the at least onethree-dimensional fiber network is supported by the other of the atleast one plurality of inflatable bladders and the at least onethree-dimensional fiber network.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe at least one plurality of inflatable bladders are supported by theat least one three-dimensional fiber network.
 13. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the apparatus is coupled to a source of pressurized air toprovide a low air loss surface for supporting the body.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the top surface of the at least one coverincludes a plurality of apertures configured to permit air to passthrough the top surface of the at least one cover.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the top portion of the at least one plurality ofinflatable bladders is formed from the top surface of the at least onecover.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one pluralityof bladders extend transversely.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising at least one foam member positioned below the top surface ofthe at least one cover, the at least one foam member cooperating withthe at least one plurality of inflatable bladders and the at least onethree-dimensional fiber network to provide support for the body when thebody is in the recumbent position.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the at least one cover defines an interior region, at least theat least one three-dimensional fiber network being positioned within theinterior region of the at least one cover.
 19. The apparatus of claim18, wherein the at least one plurality of inflatable bladders arepositioned within the interior region of the at least one cover.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 18, further comprising at least one foam memberpositioned below the top surface of the at least one cover, the at leastone foam member cooperating with the at least one plurality of bladdersand the at least one three-dimensional fiber network to provide supportfor the body when the body is in the recumbent position.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one foam member ispositioned within the interior region of the at least one cover.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one cover further includes aperimetral surface and a bottom surface, the top surface, perimetralsurface, and bottom surface cooperating to define the interior region ofthe at least one cover.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein thebottom surface includes an opening, the opening configured to receivethe at least one foam member such that the at least one foam member ispositioned in the interior region of the at least one cover.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 23, wherein the bottom surface is comprised of aplurality of flaps.
 25. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising afirst mattress section including a first cover, a first plurality ofinflatable bladders, and a first three-dimensional fiber network; asecond mattress section including a second cover, a second plurality ofinflatable bladders, and a second three-dimensional fiber network. 26.An apparatus configured to support a body in a recumbent positionthereon, the apparatus comprising: a first layer including athree-dimensional fiber network; a second layer including a at least onefoam member, one of the first layer and the second layer being supportedby the other of the first layer and the second layer; and a third layerincluding a plurality of bladders, the third layer being positionedadjacent one of the first layer and the second layer, the first layer,the second layer and the third layer cooperating to provide support forthe body when the body is in the recumbent position.
 27. The apparatusof claim 26, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the thirdlayer are segmented into multiple mattress sections.
 28. The apparatusof claim 27, wherein each mattress section further includes a cover, thecover defining an interior region and the three-dimensional fibernetwork being positioned within the interior region of the cover. 29.The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the plurality of bladders areinflatable bladders.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein theplurality of inflatable bladders are segmented into at least a firstplurality of bladders and a second plurality of bladders.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 30, wherein the individual bladders of the firstplurality of bladders are grouped together and the individual bladdersof the second plurality of bladders are grouped together.
 32. Theapparatus of claim 30, wherein the first plurality of bladders includesa first input configured to be coupled to a source of pressurized airand wherein the second plurality of bladders includes a second inputconfigured to be coupled to the source of pressurized air.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 26, wherein the third layer is incorporated into acover having an interior region for receiving the first layer and thesecond layer, the third layer and the cover being a disposable portion.34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first layer, second layer,and third layer are supported by a base.
 35. A method of providing amattress, including the steps of: providing a cover including a topsupport surface, an opening defined by a bottom edge, and an interiorregion, the opening permitting access to the interior region; providinga foam support; providing a three-dimensional fiber network; andpositioning the cover such that foam support and the three-dimensionalfiber network are within the interior region of the cover and thethree-dimensional fiber network is positioned between the foam supportand the support surface of the cover.
 36. The method of claim 35,further comprising the step of covering the three-dimensional fibernetwork and the foam support with a ticking material.
 37. The method ofclaim 35, further comprising the step of providing an input to thecover, the input being configured to be coupled to a source ofpressurized air.
 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising the stepof providing a plurality of inflatable bladders, the plurality ofinflatable bladders being in fluid communication with the air input. 39.The method of claim 37, wherein the top support surface of the cover isconfigured to permit air to pass therethrough and further comprising thestep of coupling a source of pressurized air to the air input such airis forced through the top support surface to provide a low air loss. 40.The method of claim 35, wherein the bottom edge is defined by aplurality of flaps coupled together.